I disagree. In failure modes there are significant differences. For a simple example look at a fail open of R2. In the left hand case this results in a resistance across the line of 150 ohms, with 2/3 of the line voltage across R1. Power dissipation in R1 nearly doubles. In the right hand case the resistance across the line is 200 ohms, with the voltage across R1 remaining the same at 1/2 the line voltage and no change in R1 power dissipation. There are similar differences of other failures.
Whether this makes a difference depends on the components chosen and the goals for the circuit. In general I would choose the right hand configuration.
Power dissipation in the no faults case is only marginally changed, with the change all due to the actual layout and copper used for routing. It may go up or down.